St. Patrick's Day: Get to know your Irish Whiskey!
St. Patrick's Day is an annual celebration of Irish culture and heritage, observed on March 17th. While the holiday is known for its parades, green attire, and festive atmosphere, it is also a great time to explore the world of Irish Whiskey. Irish Whiskey has a long history, dating back to the 12th century when monks began distilling spirits in monasteries across Ireland. Today, Irish Whiskey is a globally recognized spirit that is enjoyed by whiskey enthusiasts all over the world. Whether you're a seasoned whiskey drinker or just starting out, St. Patrick's Day is the perfect time to explore the many flavors and varieties of Irish whiskey.
One of the unique features of Irish whiskey is its use of malted barley, which is dried over a peat fire to impart a distinct smoky flavor. This technique is known as "peated" and is commonly associated with Scottish Whiskey, but it is also used in some Irish Whiskey distilleries. Another defining characteristic of Irish Whiskey is its triple distillation process. Unlike Scotch Whiskey, which is typically distilled twice, Irish Whiskey is distilled three times to create a smoother, more refined spirit.
There are several different types of Irish Whiskey, each with its own unique flavor profile and production process. Let’s get to know each one!
- Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Single Malt Irish Whiskey is a type of Irish Whiskey made from 100% malted barley and distilled in a pot still. It is typically aged for at least three years in oak barrels, although some varieties are aged for much longer periods. Single Malt Irish Whiskey is known for its smooth and rich flavor, with a distinct malty sweetness and a subtle smokiness that comes from the use of peat in the malting process.
- Blended Irish Whiskey
This is a type of Irish Whiskey made by blending together two or more different types of whiskey from different distilleries. The goal of blending is to create a consistent flavor profile and smoothness that cannot be achieved by a single whiskey alone. Blended Irish Whiskey typically contains a mix of both malted and unmalted barley, as well as other grains such as corn or wheat. Want to try this? Order a bottle of Lambay Malt Irish Whiskey on our website!
- Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is a unique style of Irish whiskey that is made using a combination of malted and unmalted barley that is distilled in a traditional copper pot still. This type of whiskey is only produced in Ireland and is known for its spicy and robust flavor profile, with notes of green apple, honey, and cinnamon. Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is aged in oak barrels for at least three years and is bottled at a higher proof than other types of Irish Whiskey.
- Grain Irish Whiskey
Grain Irish Whiskey is a type of Irish Whiskey made from a combination of malted and unmalted grains such as corn, wheat, and barley. Unlike Single Malt and Single Pot Still Irish whiskey, grain whiskey is produced in a column still. It’s known for its light and smooth character, with notes of vanilla and caramel. It is often blended with other types of whiskey to create a balanced and complex flavor profile.